Spurs head to Leeds on Sunday looking to book their place in the last 16 of the FA Cup. Had the tie come in Freund's playing days at Spurs, it would have been billed as one of the biggest clashes of the fourth round, but Leeds have suffered something of a collapse since the German's departure in 2003.

The Yorkshire club, who had challenged for the title and reached the Champions League final in 2001, now sit 11th in the npower Championship, having spent the last three years of the previous decade in the third tier of English football.

Angry: Steffen Freund wasn't shy of a spat as a player, like this one with Leeds' Harry Kewell

Squeaky clean? Freund never got sent off whilst wearing a Tottenham shirt

Leeds' demise - which also included a spell in administration - came about after they spent lavish amounts on wages and transfer fees, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Keane and Robbie Fowler just three of a raft of expensive imports brought in by then manager David O'Leary.

Spurs, on the other hand, have resisted temptations to break their strict wage structure - and Freund is a big fan of the way this club's finances are run.

'Leeds are a massive club but I'm sure they did something wrong,' the German said.

'I'm sure we will not do mistakes like that - Tottenham Hotspur is a solid, strong club on a fantastic financial basis plus (we have) top people up front to lead the club.'

Freund defeated Leeds only once in the league during his playing days at Spurs, but his team will be the big favourites for Sunday's match in West Yorkshire.

Competitive: He played a combative role in the centre of midfield

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who was part of the Spurs team that beat Leeds in the FA Cup 14 years ago, has been stunned by the scale of the Whites' decline, but he warned his players against the dangers of complacency.

'Yes of course I'm surprised,' Freund said.

'During my time here as a player we always had difficult games at Elland Road.

'They were a really strong team, they finished in the semi-finals of the Champions League and they are not in the Premier League at the moment.

Well-equipped: Freund says that Spurs wage structure will keep them out of financial trouble

'That's why it's a surprise for me, but still they have a very strong squad. They beat Southampton and Everton in the League Cup this season.

'They've got nine wins and three defeats at home. It will be a difficult game for us.'

The game will be an opportunity for Aaron Lennon to play against the club with whom he began his career 12 years ago.

Lennon, who joined Spurs in 2005 for £1million, is currently enjoying his best season with the Londoners.

'For me as a coach it's great to see him at this level,' the 42-year-old said.

'We created 10 chances against Manchester United last week and he was involved in seven. That means a lot for me and the coaching staff that we have one of the best wingers at the moment in England.'

Taking no chances: Freund is sure that Leeds will be well prepared for their FA Cup clash

Tottenham have been relatively quiet in the transfer window so far, securing the Bosman signing of Lewis Holtby and the capture of 20-year-old defender Zeki Fryers from Standard Liege.

Spurs have become renowned for their late forays in to the transfer market, however, and they have already tried - and failed - with two bids to bring Holtby in this month, rather than at the end of the season.

Freund was keeping his cards close to his chest on Tottenham's pursuit of the Schalke midfielder today.